A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Lake Garda for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Arachova or Lake Garda?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Lake Garda, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Arachova and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Arachova or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, historical sights, and small town charm, while Lake Garda attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Arachova different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda and Arachova. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Arachova is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Lake Garda is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Lake Garda is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Lake Garda?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Both Arachova and Lake Garda have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Is the Food Better in Arachova or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Lake Garda can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Lake Garda has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Lake Garda.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.


Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Arachova is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Arachova and Lake Garda are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.


Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Lake Garda?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lake Garda and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Arachova is very family-friendly. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Arachova and Lake Garda are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Lake Garda is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.


Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lake Garda is fairly effecient and thorough. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Arachova
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Lake Garda is very walkable. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Arachova or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Arachova. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake Garda, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lake Garda than Arachova. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Arachova if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Arachova or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Arachova or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the outdoorsy town of Arachova, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful lake of Lake Garda offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Lake Garda?

With food and shopping around the destination of Arachova, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Lake Garda is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Garda, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Lake Garda?

Arachova, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Arachova or Lake Garda?

Arachova is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arachova and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Lake Garda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arachova


Hotels in Lake Garda


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Arachova change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arachova 29
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arachova and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Arachova much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arachova would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arachova and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Arachova.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arachova Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Arachova or Lake Garda?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arachova or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Arachova in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Arachova is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the summer, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Arachova during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Arachova because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. Arachova is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Lake Garda. The small town charm are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Arachova is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Arachova

Arachova Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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